PLUS: BASEBALL -- METS; Infielder Claimed From Devil Rays

The Mets added to their reserve infield options yesterday by claiming David Lamb off waivers from the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

In 55 games for the Devil Rays last season, the 24-year-old Lamb batted .226 with a home run and 13 runs batted in. A switch-hitter, he played 15 games at second base and 35 at shortstop. Lamb batted .301 between Class AA Bowie (Md.) and Class AAA Rochester for the Baltimore Orioles in 1998 and was selected by the Devil Rays in the Rule V draft that December. He is a seven-year professional.

To make room for Lamb on the 40-man roster, the Mets designated infielder Mike Kinkade for assignment.

Others who will compete for reserve infield roles this spring include the nonroster invitees Kurt Abbott, who spent last season with Colorado, and Domingo Cedeno, who played for Seattle and Philadelphia in 1999. TYLER KEPNER